Many COVID-19 patients that have severe symptoms have been obese. The link has come into sharper focus in recent months, as major new demographic studies have confirmed the link. It even shows that people who are simply overweight are at risk. Read more to find out what are the COVID-19 outcomes for people who are obese or overweight, what makes them vulnerable, and what you can do about it.
What’s the Difference Between Obesity and Being Overweight?
Obesity and being overweight refers to having more body fat than is acceptable. Both are used to classify individuals who are at risk of developing health conditions as a result of their excess body fat. The word “obese,” on the other hand, commonly refers to a much higher level of body fat than “overweight.” People who are overweight have a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29.9 while those who are obese have a BMI of 30 or higher.
You can calculate your body mass index (BMI) by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A high BMI may indicate a high level of body fatness. It may be used to test for weight categories that can contribute to health issues. However, it is not a diagnostic tool for determining an individual’s body fatness or health.
The obesity prevalence in Bermuda has been alarming, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Last 2017, the Health Ministry of Bermuda noted that “Bermuda is one of the world’s most obese jurisdictions”. The Well Bermuda Survey 2014 also found that “34.4% or one out of every three adults in Bermuda is obese.”
What Are the COVID-19 Outcomes of People Who Are Obese or Overweight?
People who are obese or overweight have severe COVID-19 outcomes. According to a study from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, obese people with COVID-19 were more likely to need hospitalization and treatment in an intensive care unit. Obesity was very common in people under the age of 50, and this high incidence expected serious COVID-19 cases in young adults.
Another study led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and The University of Queensland found that obese or overweight patients have a higher chance of getting worse COVID-19 outcomes. They are much more likely to require oxygen and intrusive mechanical ventilation compared to those with a healthy weight. An international group of researchers compiled data from hundreds of peer-reviewed journals, resulting in a total of 399,000 patients. Obese people were 113 percent more likely than healthy people to end up in the hospital, 74 percent more likely to be admitted to an ICU, and 48 percent more likely to die after contracting SARS-CoV-2.
The results of the studies highlighted the urgent need to implement strategies to address the complex socioeconomic drivers of obesity. The world also needs more public health policy initiatives against being overweight and obese, like junk food advertisement restrictions.
Why COVID-19 Is More Deadly in People With Excess Weight
The more body fat you have, the more likely you are to develop diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and other health issues. It means being more vulnerable to COVID-19 while also giving you a higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Next, the excess fat in the abdomen presses up against the diaphragm. It causes the large muscle under the chest cavity to press against the lungs and obstruct airflow. Because of the decreased lung volume, the airways in the lower lobes of the lungs collapse. It allows more blood to enter for oxygenation than in the upper lobes.
Obese and overweight people are also at risk for metabolic syndrome. It is a condition in which blood sugar, fat, or both are unhealthy, and blood pressure is elevated. A recent Tulane University study of 287 COVID-19 patients in the hospital found that metabolic syndrome significantly increased the risk of ICU admission, ventilation, and death. Lastly, obese people’s blood has a higher tendency to clot, which is particularly dangerous during an infection that it can fill the small vessels of the lungs with clots on their own.
What Other Health Issues Can You Get From Being Overweight or Obese?
Obesity or being overweight can lead to a variety of health issues, such as:
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Breathing problems
- Gallbladder disease
- High blood pressure
- Certain types of cancer
- Kidney disease and kidney failure
What Causes Overweight and Obesity?
When people consume more calories than they lose, they become overweight or obese. The following are some of the factors that can contribute to this imbalance:
- Inactive lifestyle/lack of exercise
- Unhealthy diet
- A family history of being overweight or obese.
Can I improve my health by losing excess weight?
Yes, indeed. Experts believe that losing even a small amount of weight will help prevent or manage a variety of health issues, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
1. hCG Diet Plan in Bermuda
Premier Health hCG Wellness Program provides a nutritional detox to restore metabolism, suppress appetite, and balance blood sugars for safe weight loss within 6 weeks. You will be assessed with personalized feedback and specialized support to achieve your weight goals safely and effectively.
2. Roadmap Diet Plan in Bermuda
Our bestselling Roadmap program is a 12-week plan towards weight loss. We have a multidisciplinary approach that offers medically supervised consultation, a customized meal plan, the wellness app syncing, and many other privileges.
3. Keto Diet Plan in Bermuda
A ketogenic Diet or ‘keto’ is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It can burn more fat faster compared to any other diet. Gain medical clarity and focus to boost the effectiveness of your keto meal plan by consulting with us.
Get the Best Weight Loss Program in Bermuda
Addressing obesity now can help you survive against COVID-19 and reduce your risk of complications such as heart disease and stroke. In Bermuda, people are now striving to have a healthier lifestyle from the government’s health promotional calendar. Start your journey to a healthy lifestyle by booking a consultation with us or by calling us at 441-292-5111